SHEEP and GOAT 

Identification: 

Visual and Electronic 

Published April 2019
Don’t feel like reading the 

whole presentation?

• Slides 3 through 6 give you the bare 

minimum. For more details and exceptions, 

keep reading. 

• Slide 7 is a list of topics with hyperlinks to 

slides in presentation.

• Action buttons on each page:

Return to the last slide viewed

Return to Slide 7 with list of topics
Call 866-USDA-TAG:

• To get a flock ID assigned if you don’t have 

one, and

• If you haven’t received free tags from APHIS 

before, you can request up to 80 free plastic 

tags, or

• If you have received tags before or need 

more tags or a different type of tag, you can 

purchase your own official tags from an 

approved tag manufacturer, once you have 

a flock ID 

Tag it!
What is needed for 

sheep/goats crossing a state 

line and not in slaughter 

channels or going to a 

federally approved market?

• Must have an ICVI • Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection 

issued by an Accredited Veterinarian

• Note: Some states also require an ICVI for 

instate shows.
• Complete an owner/hauler 

statement to accompany the 

animals 

• See slides 9-10 for details

Moving sheep/goats in 

slaughter channels?
When is a record required?

 A record must be made when official 

ID is applied to a sheep/goat or a 

sheep/goat is acquired or disposed of

 Record must be kept for five years

after animal dies or is no longer 

owned by you.
Where to find information?

Topic Slide Number (click hyperlink for 

each topic)

Definitions 8 to 18

What’s changed? 19 to 29

Sheep/goats requiring identification 30 to 35

Exceptions 36 to 38

Sheep/Goat ID tips and advice 39 to 41

Official ID devices and methods 42 to 59

Options for earless goats 60

Group/lot ID 61 to 62

Permanent brands or ear notches 63

Tattoos 64 to 75

Implants 76 to 82

Records 83 to 96

Animal Disease Traceability 97 to 98
Definition of Terms Used
Owner/Hauler Statement 

 A signed written statement by the owner or 

hauler that includes:

 The name, address, and phone number of the owner 

and, if different, the hauler;

 The date the animals were moved;

 The flock identification number or PIN assigned to the 

flock or premises of the animals; 

 If moving individually unidentified animals or other 

animals required to move with a group/lot 

identification number, the group/lot identification 

number and any information required to officially 

identify the animals; 
Owner/Hauler Statement 

 List continued -

 The number of animals; 

 The species, breed, and class of animals. If breed is 

unknown, for sheep the face color and for goats the 

type (milk, fiber, or meat) must be recorded instead; 

and

 The name and address of point of origin, if different 

from the owner’s address, and the destination name 

and address.

 An existing document that includes the 

same information that is signed by the 

owner or the hauler meets this definition.
Group/Lot Identification Number (GIN) 

 Flock ID, Standardized PIN or LID followed by the 

date the group of animals was assembled in 

MMDDYY format. 

 If more than one group is created on the same 

date, a sequential number will be added to the end 

of the GIN. 

 A group lot comprised of animals from a single 

flock of origin may be subdivided after leaving the 

premises on which the group lot was formed by 

adding an S followed by a sequential number to 

the end of the GIN to create a GIN for each sub 

group. 
Group/Lot Identification Number (GIN) 

 If a flock identification number is used, the 

flock identification number, date, and 

sequential number(s) will be separated by 

hyphens.

 Examples: 

 If using flock ID: MD123456-061216-12-S4

 If using PIN/LID: 004T56706121612S4
Flock ID

 NSEP Flock ID number 

o Varies in number of digits, starts with 

the state postal abbreviation (IA=Iowa)

o Assigned by the State or the 

APHIS/VS office in your State

o Held in State and Scrapie Program 

databases
Flock ID (cont.)

 NSEP Flock ID number 

o Flock ID represents a group of animals 

associated with one or more locations; 

multiple flock ID numbers may be assigned 

to the same location. 

o Required to order any scrapie program ID 

eartag or device

o Is the number printed on Flock ID eartags 

and may be used to create an official tattoo 

when combined with a production number 

unique within the flock
Standardized National PIN

 Standardized National Premises Identification 

Number (PIN) 

o 7 digit alphanumeric, example: 01AB2CD

o Allocated through interface with premises allocator and a 

State’s premises registration system

o PINs are location identifiers for operations

o Required to be recorded in the National Scrapie Database 

to order “840” eartags or implant (RFID or visual only)

For more information on PINs refer to the traceability 

standards at 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_stan

dards.pdf
Standardized LID

 Standardized Location Identification 

Number (LID) 

o LIDs are administered through a State’s or Tribe’s 

internal system and may be used in place of a 

PIN. 

o All LIDs start with the State or Tribe code which 

makes the LIDs nationally unique. 

o Consist of six or eight alphanumeric characters. 

Additionally, seven alphanumeric characters may 

be used only when the last character is a check 

digit based on ISO 7064:1983, a standard 

published by the International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO).
Standardized LID

 Standardized Location Identification 

Number (LID) 

o Required to be recorded in the National Scrapie 

Database to order “840” eartags and implants 

(RFID and visual only) if a PIN has not been 

assigned

For more information on LIDs refer to the 

traceability standards at 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/

ADT_standards.pdf
Legacy PIN

Legacy Premises Identification Number 

 Original premises number used in the Scrapie 

National Database and some State databases 

 Is being replaced by standardized PIN or LID

 Once replaced, will be maintained for 

historical purposes

 Varies in number of digits, starts with the state 

postal abbreviation (IA=Iowa) and may be the 

same as the flock ID in some states.

 Assigned by State or APHIS/VS office in your 

State
What was Changed by 

the 2019 Federal 

Regulation Revision?
What has changed for goats?

The slaughter and low-risk commercial goat 

exemptions have been eliminated. This 

means individual official ID (eartags, tattoos*

or implants*) is required for goats in 

interstate commerce with the EXCEPTIONS

noted in the next 3 slides. 

*Tattoos or implants may not be use as the only form of official 

ID for animals moving in slaughter channels at over 18 months 

of age or through a livestock market or buying station
What has changed for goats?

EXCEPTIONS:

• Wethers under 18 months of age - no ID 

or owner hauler statement required

• Goats in slaughter channels at under 18 

months of age accompanied by an 

owner hauler statement and group/lot ID 

(may be mixed source)
What has changed for goats?

EXCEPTIONS:

• Goats moving as a single source 

group/lot accompanied by an 

owner/hauler statement to:

• A federally approved livestock market, 

• slaughter establishment, 

• another premises of the flock listed in the nation 

scrapie database, or 

• instate to a another site where they will be 

officially identified.
What has changed for goats?

EXCEPTIONS:

• Earless goats may have the eartag applied to 

a neck collar such that the collar or eartag 

must be cut to remove the collar

• Backtags applied near the poll may be used 

for earless goats and on the back for horned 

buck goats deemed too dangerous to eartag

at a market that are moving direct to slaughter
What has changed

for sheep and goats?

• In addition to previously existing requirements, requires 

sexually intact sheep/goats regardless age and wethers

over 18 months of age to be officially identified before 

leaving the premises on which they currently reside if the 

owner of the sheep/goats engages in interstate commerce 

of sheep/goats or the premises on which the sheep/goats 

reside receives sheep/goats that have been moved 

interstate or from which sheep/goats are moved interstate. 

• Depending on type of animals and type of movement involved, 

individual ID (eartags, tattoos, or EID) or group/lot ID recorded on 

an owner/hauler statement may be used (see slides 6-11 for 

details).
What has changed

for sheep and goats?

• When individual ID is required, persons who 

engage in interstate commerce must apply or 

have an agent apply official individual ID. 

• The official ID used must be assigned to the 

flock of origin in the National Scrapie Database, 

be the animal’s registry tattoo or implant, or a 

flock ID tattoo. 

• Exceptions:

• Sheep/goats moved to a federally approved market 

where market assigned official ID is applied 
What has changed 

for sheep and goats?

• Requires ear tagging of sheep/goats over 18 months 

of age in slaughter channels, unless moving as a 

single source group/lot accompanied by an owner 

hauler statement to a federally approved livestock 

market or slaughter establishment, or instate to 

another site to be ear tagged. 

• Exceptions:

• For direct to slaughter movements, backtags may be used 

for earless goats and for horned buck goats deemed too 

dangerous to eartag at a market. 

• For earless goats the eartag may be applied to a neck 

strap.
What has changed 

for sheep and goats?

• Requires group/lot ID and owner hauler 

statement that identifies the sheep/goats as 

being in slaughter channels for sexually intact 

sheep/goats of any age and wethers over 18 

months of age in slaughter channels.

• Requires the use of a group/lot ID recorded on 

an owner/hauler statement for sheep/goats 

(other than wethers under 18 months of age) 

moving without official individual animal ID in 

interstate commerce. 
What has changed

for sheep and goats?

• Limits the use of back tags as official individual ID 

to buck goats for immediate slaughter that can 

not be safely eartagged and earless animals for 

immediate slaughter. 

• Clarifies that, if not already officially identified, 

sheep/goats need to be identified on unloading at 

a premises that receives sheep/goats that have 

been in interstate commerce or from which 

sheep/goats are moved interstate
Disclaimer

The following slides are accurate for 

most States and most situations. 

However, federal exemptions may apply 

to some movements and States may 

have:

• Specific exemptions, or 

• Higher Standards 
Sheep and Goats 

Requiring Official 

Identification
Required to be individually 

officially identified

see slide notes for exceptions

 Sheep/Goats on change of ownership 

that are:

 Over 18 months of age*, or

 Sexually intact (any age) and NOT in 

slaughter channels. 

 Sheep/Goats moved for exhibition except 

wethers under 18 months of age

* 18 months of age as evidenced by eruption of the second incisor.

States may have more stringent ID regulations or may exempt 

certain animals in intrastate commerce. 
Required to be individually 

officially identified

see slide notes for exceptions

 Sheep/Goats over 18 months of age* or sexually 

intact (any age) and NOT in slaughter channels 

moved without change of ownership:

interstate to a premise not listed in the National 

Scrapie Database as a premises of the flock unless 

moving to an approved market where market assigned 

ID will be applied or to a slaughter establishment as a 

single source group/lot.

* 18 months of age as evidenced by eruption of the second incisor.

States may have more stringent ID regulations. 
Required to be individually 

officially identified

see slide notes for exceptions

 Sheep/Goats over 18 months of age* or sexually 

intact (any age) and NOT in slaughter channels 

moved without change of ownership: (continued 

from previous slide)

instate, if the owner of the animals engages in the 

interstate commerce of sheep and goats, and the 

animals are moved to a premise not listed in the 

National Scrapie Database as a premises of the flock

unless it is a site were the animal will be officially 

identified with ID assigned to the flock of origin, to an 

approved market where market assigned ID will be 

applied, or to a slaughter establishment as a single 

source group/lot.
Required to be individually 

officially identified

 Sheep/goats when they are designated as:

exposed,

high-risk,

suspect, or

test-positive animals.

 Sheep/goats designated for test as part of a 

disease investigation 

 Sheep from non-compliant flocks prior to 

movement 

States may have more stringent ID regulations. 
Ewes/Does and 

Ewe Lambs/Doe Kids

Rams/Bucks and 

Ram Lambs/Buck kids

Potential breeding 

sheep/goats are required 

to be identified prior to 

leaving the farm/ranch on 

which they were born or 

where they currently reside 

with some exceptions*

Ewe/Doe & 

Lamb/Kid
Federal Exceptions for Individual 

ID of Sheep of Any Age 

 Animals moved for management purposes without 

change of ownership and without commingling with 

animals from other flocks (such as grazing) 

between premises owned or leased by the animal’s 

owners. Group/Lot ID and an Owner/Hauler 

Statement is Required.
Federal Exceptions for Individual 

ID of Sheep of Any Age 

 Animals moving within their State of birth if their 

owner and the owner of the premises on which 

they reside do not engage in interstate commerce 

of sheep/goats

 Animals maintained and moved as a single source 

group/lot to an approved market or to a slaughter 

facility. Group/Lot ID and an Owner/Hauler 

Statement is Required.
Federal Exceptions for Individual ID of Sheep 

Under 18 Months of Age in Slaughter Channels 

and Wethers Under 18 months of Age

 Wethers under 18 months of age (some states require 

individual ID )

 Sheep under 18 months of age may move as mixed 

source group/lots in slaughter channels with a group/lot 

ID and an owner hauler statement (some states require 

individual ID)

Slaughter channels include animals moved to:

 a federal or state inspected slaughter establishment or custom 

exempt establishment for immediate slaughter

 an individual for immediate slaughter for personal use 

 a restricted (slaughter only) livestock facility or sale

 an approved terminal feedlot
Sheep/Goat ID Tips/Advice
ID Tips/Advice

 Do not buy or sell a sheep/goat over 18 months of age 

for any purpose unless they have official ID.

 Do not buy or sell sexually intact sheep/goats under 18 

months of age that is not officially identified unless they 

are moving directly to a slaughter establishment, a 

slaughter only market or sale, a terminal feedlot, or the 

buyer is going to slaughter them or have them 

slaughtered for personal use and in each case you have 

an owner/hauler statement completed by the buyer 

stating such.

 List of exceptions on next slide
ID Tips/Advice

Exceptions:

• Animals that are exempted from identification in 

intrastate commerce by the State that are moving within 

their State of birth and are not sold/purchased by 

persons who engage in interstate commerce or reside 

on premises were animals are received in interstate 

commerce or from which animals move in interstate 

commerce. 

• Animals sold and maintained as a single source 

group/lot in slaughter channels accompanied by 

owner/hauler statement(s) documenting the movement.
Official ID Devices and 

Methods
Official ID Devices and Methods

 Official Eartags including RFID eartags

 Group/Lot Identification

 Flock ID Tattoos

 Registry Tattoos

 Electronic Implantable Devices (EID)

 Registered Brands and Ear Notches 

 Back tags 

 Official eartags on neck straps 

Note: each device or method has specific 

requirements and limits on use that are described on 

later slides. Only official eartags may be used for any 

type of movement.
How do I know if a tag is an 

official tag?

The US Shield

is on all official

tags.
Tags for Sheep/Goats

 Yellow Metal: animal was exposed and 

is permanently restricted to a premises 

 Red Metal: animal tested positive for 

scrapie on an official test 

 Blue Metal or Plastic: animal is in 

slaughter channels, tag imprinted with 

“Slaughter Only” or “Meat” 

Some official tags have designated 

colors and meanings:
Where do I get my NSEP tags?

Call 1-866-USDA-TAG (1-866-873-2824)

 Directs the caller to the office for their state 

which assigns flock IDs and places tag 

orders

 Tags provided at no charge to producers by 

USDA

 Plastic - Allflex Couple 74 tag (available through 9/2020

to producers ordering for the first time)

 Metal – National Band & Tag (available through 8/2019 

for producers who have not gotten tags since 8/2017) 
Where do I get my NSEP tags?

 After getting a flock ID, purchase tags 

as described on the following slides.
Approved Eartags and 

Manufacturers 

 For Purchase** from the manufacturer 

in various colors, sizes and styles:

 Plastic

oAllflex

oPremier

oShearwell Data Animal Identification and 

Management Systems

o Metal

o National Band & Tag

** Contact the manufacturer to purchase after getting a Flock ID 

number by calling 1-866-USDA-TAG

*** Standardized PIN/LID is also required to purchase RFID tags
Approved Eartags and 

Manufacturers 

 For Purchase** from the manufacturer 

in various colors, sizes and styles:

 RFID***

o Allflex - eartags

o National Band & Tag - eartags

o Shearwell Data Animal Identification and Management Systems 

- eartags

o Alliance ID – implants 

o EZid – implants

** Contact the manufacturer to purchase after getting a Flock ID 

number by calling 1-866-USDA-TAG

*** Standardized PIN/LID is also required to purchase RFID tags 

or implantable ID
Purchase an approved eartag

complementary to your management

 The program has evolved to address producers’ 

needs and management styles. 

 There are approved tags available for purchase by 

producers in different styles, colors, sizes, numbering 

options, and with flock name imprint. 

 Call 1-866-USDA-TAG to have your flock information 

entered into the ordering system, then contact the tag 

manufacturer to purchase your choice of official tags.
Approved Tag Manufacturers

Current list of Approved Tag 

Manufactures and Contact 

Information Available at:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/ani

malhealth/animal-disease-information/sheepand-goat-health/national-scrapie-eradicationprogram/ct_to_order_ear_tags
Factors that Contribute to Optimal 

Eartag Retention and Minimal 

Infection/Tissue Reaction

 Ideal Placement Location

 Tag Lambs/Kids at < 6 Months Old 

 Tag Clean, Dry Ears

 Pre-dip Tag Stem in Lubricant at Time of 

Tagging

 Place Female Portion of Tag on Inside of Ear

 Avoid Tagging in the Humid Summer Months 

when possible
Tag Placement

Official Scrapie Tag 

(plastic two-piece tag)

 Place in left ear to aid in 

shearing

 Do not put in any tissue 

other than the ear
Tag Placement

Metal Tags

 Apply about a third of the way from the ear 

base. Plastic tags are recommended for 

wool producing animals to reduce risk of 

injury to shearers, animals and shearing 

equipment. If applying a metal tag to a 

wool animal apply it to the bottom edge of 

the left ear a third to half way from the base 

to reduce the risk of hitting the tag with the 

clipper blades
National Scrapie Eradication Program

Recommended Tagging Practices

Factors that Contribute to Optimal Eartag 

Retention and Minimal Infection/Tissue Reaction:

No Infection Mild Infection Severe Infection

• Ideal Placement Location Left Ear

• Tag Lambs at < 6 Months Old

• Avoid Tagging in the Humid 

Summer Months

• Place Female Portion of Tag on 

Inside of Ear

• Pre-dip Tag Stem in Lubricant at 

Time of Tagging

• Tag Clean, Dry Ears

Examples of Official 

USDA Tags:

X
National Scrapie Eradication Program

Tags for Sheep/Goats

Examples of Official 

USDA Tags

The white, yellow, and 

orange tags are official
Examples of Official 

USDA Tags

National Scrapie Eradication Program

Tags for Sheep/Goats
Examples of Official 

USDA Tags

National Scrapie Eradication Program

Tags for Sheep/Goats
Examples of Official 

USDA Tags

National Scrapie Eradication Program

Tags for Sheep/Goats
Options for Earless 

Sheep/Goats 

• Earless sheep/goats may have the eartag

applied to a neck strap/collar such that the 

collar or eartag must be cut to remove the 

collar

• Backtags applied near the poll may be 

used for earless sheep/goats moving 

direct to slaughter
Group/Lot Identification 

Group/Lot ID is allowed in lieu of 

individual ID when accompanied by an 

owner/hauler statement for:

 Animals in slaughter channels <18 months of age

 Animals in slaughter channels ≥ 18 months of age 

kept in a group with animals from the same flock 

of birth through out the marketing process without 

commingling with unidentified animals from 

another flock. 
Group/Lot Identification 

Group/Lot ID is allowed in lieu of 

individual ID when accompanied by an 

owner/hauler statement for: (continued)

 Animals moving for grazing between two 

premises owned or leased by flock owner and 

recorded in the National Scrapie Database as an 

additional premises of the flock

 Animals moving to an approved livestock facility 

(market) from the flock of origin
Permanent Brand/Ear Notches

 Allowed for low-risk commercial 

sheep/goats in slaughter channels when 

the brand or ear notch is registered with 

an official brand registry

 Must be accompanied by:

o A brand inspection certificate and owner 

statement dated within 30 days, and

o A veterinarian’s statement issued within 12 

months of movement 
Registry Tattoos 

Registration tattoos may be used to officially 

identify individual sheep/goats moving 

without a transfer of ownership or for sale if:

 The association registry premises or flock tattoo prefix is 

linked in the National Scrapie Database to the APHISassigned premises identification number and flock ID 

number of the flock of birth or the registry’s tattoos have 

been approved by USDA (see list);

 The tattoo is legible

 AND - see next slide
Registry Tattoos (cont.) 

• The animal is accompanied by:

• A copy of the registration certificate or an unexpired 

temporary registration certificate, and, if not in the 

name of the current owner, a copy of the completed 

application for transfer of ownership in the name of 

the current owner where the sale occurred within 60 

days, or 

• For animals under 60 days of age a copy of a 

completed application for registration, or

• An interstate certificate of veterinary inspection that 

lists the flocks of origin and birth, the registry, and the 

registry tattoo.

Note: The tattoos and registration paper on the following slide are NOT from the same ewe.
Sheep Tattoo and Registration 

Certificate
Example of Registry Information 

(application and tattooing instructions from 

N.A. Clun Forest Association)
Goat Tattoo and 

Registration Certificate

U C D
Example of Registry Information
National Scrapie Eradication Program

How to Tattoo a LaMancha - Tail Web 

Wait until kids are over 3 months old

Test tattoo on paper first to ensure 

legibility

Clean area where tattoo will be 

applied

Apply green* paste ink with 

toothbrush

Hold kid firmly

Press tattoo pliers firmly

Brush ink/use toothbrush to apply ink
National Scrapie Eradication Program

LaMancha Tail Web Tattoo

Site where tattoo should be applied. Applying the tattoo. 
National Scrapie Eradication Program

Ear Tattooing in Goat Kids
National Scrapie Eradication Program

Ear Tattoos for Goats

Reading a tattoo 

with a flashlight providing 

backlight illumination
Goat Identification Problems

• Use of registration tattoos is a privilege. 

• Owners must assure legibility of tattoos.

• Owners must assist with tattoo reading process.

• Provide light to assist with reading.

• Owners must keep accurate acquisition and 

disposition records.

• Breeding animals including culls must be 

traceable to herd of origin.
Flock ID Tattoos 

A combination of the flock ID number assigned to the flock 

of birth or origin in the Scrapie National Database and an 

individual number unique within the flock, may be used to 

officially identify sheep/goats if:

 The tattoo is legible 

 The animals are not in slaughter channels or moving through 

livestock markets or buying stations 

 The animals are accompanied by an owner/hauler statement or ICVI

 The numbers are placed in different ears or in the same ear with the 

flock ID number above the individual number 
Electronic Implantable Identification 

(EID) for Sheep/Goats

General Requirements:

 The implant must be placed between the skin and the 

cartilage of the backside of the ear near where the ear 

joins the head or between the skin and the bone of the 

tail near the base of the tail;

 The animal must be tattooed with a legible “E” if the 

implant is at the base of the ear, or “ET” if the implant is 

in the tail fold; 

 The tattoo must be at least 0.3 inches high in the ear or, 

in the case of earless animals, the tail fold;
Electronic Implantable Identification 

(EID) for Sheep/Goats

General Requirements (cont.):

 The animal must not in slaughter channels or moving 

through a concentration point where a transfer of 

ownership will occur, such as a livestock market or 

buying station, excluding sales of registered animals 

where an application for transfer of registration is 

completed and accompanies the animal when it leaves 

the sale or premises of origin;

 The animal is accompanied by an implant reader that 

can read the implant in the animal and is made available 

for use by APHIS or State authorities to verify the 

implant number in the animal;
General Requirements (cont.):

 The implant is used in accordance with other applicable 

laws and regulations; and

 The implant complies with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785, or 

has been approved as a new device type as described 

above, and the device was approved under 9 CFR 

79.2(k). The implant number must be an Animal 

Identification Number (840) issued to the flock of origin in 

the AIMS module of the National Scrapie Database or 

applied to the animal before March 11, 2015.

Electronic Implantable Identification 

(EID) for Sheep/Goats
Electronic Implantable Identification 

(EID) for Registered Sheep/Goats

Additional requirements for registered sheep/goats:

 The electronic implant number has been recorded in the 

book of record of a sheep or goat registry association 

and on the registration certificate; and

 The animal is accompanied by a copy of the registration 

certificate . and, if not in the name of the current owner, 

a copy of the completed application for transfer of 

ownership in the name of the current owner where the 

sale occurred within 60 days, or for animals under 60 

days of age a copy of a completed application for 

registration;
Electronic Implantable Identification 

(EID) for Sheep/Goats 

that are NOT Registered

Additional requirements for nonregistered sheep/goats:

 Sheep/goats must be from flocks listed in the National 

Scrapie Database;

 The movement is either for exhibition purposes or other 

movement without change in ownership, or for change in 

ownership that is directly to a flock listed in the National 

Scrapie Database where the new owner has a reader that 

can read the implant in the animal;
Electronic Implantable Identification 

(EID) for Sheep/Goats 

that are NOT Registered

Additional requirements for nonregistered sheep/goats 

(cont.):

 The animal is legibly tattooed with the flock identification 

number in the ear, or, in the case of earless animals, the 

tail fold or in animals where the tail fold is too small the 

flank; 

 The animal is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary 

inspection or, if a certificate of veterinary inspection is not 

otherwise required, an owner/hauler statement that lists 

the flock of origin, the flock ID number, the electronic 

implant number, and, if required by 9 CFR, the flock of 

birth. 
Proper EID Placement 

 Between the skin and the cartilage of the backside of the 

ear near where the ear joins the head or between the 

skin and the bone of the tail near the base of the tail

 Animal is tattooed with a legible “E” if the implant is at 

the base of the ear, or “ET” if the implant is in the tail fold

 Tattoo is at least 0.3 inches high in the ear or, in the 

case of earless animals, the tail fold
Record Keeping

Records are an important tool in 

eradicating scrapie. They should be: 

 Kept for 5 years

 Easily retrieved 
Records required of persons who purchase, 

acquire, sell, or dispose of animals 

 Number of animals purchased or sold (or 

transferred without sale);

 Date of purchase, sale, or other transfer;

 Name and address of the person from whom 

animals were purchased or otherwise acquired or 

to whom they were sold or otherwise transferred;
Records required of persons who purchase, 

acquire, sell, or dispose of animals (cont.)

 The species, breed, and class of animal. 

 If breed is unknown, for sheep the face color and for 

goats the type (milk, fiber, or meat) must be recorded 

instead; 

 A copy of the brand inspection certificate for 

animals officially identified with brands or ear 

notches;

 A copy of any certificate or owner/hauler 

statement required for movement of the animals 

purchased, sold, or otherwise transferred; and
Records required of persons who purchase, 

acquire, sell, or dispose of animals (cont.) 

 If the flock of origin or the receiving flock is 

under a flock plan or post-exposure 

management and monitoring plan, any 

additional records required by the plan.

 You are encouraged but not required to record 

the official ID numbers on the animals
Records required of persons who apply 

official identification to animals

 Flock identification number of flock of origin, 

name and address of person who currently owns 

the animals, and name and address of owner of 

the flock of origin if different;

 Name and address of owner of the flock of birth, 

if known, for animals born after January 1, 2002, 

in another flock and not already identified to 

flock of birth;
Records required of persons who apply 

official identification to animals (cont.)

 Date the animals were officially identified;

 Number of sheep and the number of goats 

identified; 

 Breed and class of the animals 

 If breed is unknown, for sheep the face color and for 

goats the type (milk, fiber, or meat) must be recorded 

instead; 
Records required of persons who apply 

official identification to animals (cont.)

 Official identification numbers applied to animals 

by species or GIN applied in the case of a group 

lot (for sequential numbers they may be listed as 

“low number - high number”);

 Whether animals were identified with “Slaughter 

Only” or “Meat” identification devices; and 

 Any group/lot number with which animal was 

previously identified.
Examples of acceptable records 

(slides 91 – 93, 95)

• Records do not have to be exactly like 

these examples

• Records just need to contain required 

information

• You may find it more convenient combine 

these records into one record, particularly 

if you keep individual animal records 
Example: 

Purchased/Acquired Additions Record

Number 

of 

animals 

acquired

Date 

acquired

Species Breed if know,

(If not known 

Sheep face 

color or Goat 

type (fiber, 

meat or dairy))

Name and address 

of person or market 

from whom the 

sheep/or goat was 

acquired 

Class:

Owner Name________________________________________

Address __________________________________________
Example: 

Sales and Dispositions Record

Number of 

animals 

sold or 

disposed

Date 

sold or 

disposed

Species Breed if know,

(If not known 

Sheep face color or 

Goat type (fiber, 

meat or dairy))

Name and address of 

person or market to 

whom the sheep/or goat 

was sold disposed

Class:

Owner Name________________________________________

Address __________________________________________
Example: 

Record of Sheep or Goats Officially Identified

Number of 

animals 

identified

Date 

identifi

ed

Speci

es

Breed if 

know,

(If not 

known 

Sheep 

face color 

or Goat 

type 

(fiber, 

meat or 

dairy))

All group lot 

identification 

numbers with 

which the 

animal was 

previously 

identified

Group lot 

identificati

on 

number 

assigned, 

if 

applicable 

Tag 

sequences 

applied and 

tag type 

(slaughter 

or nonslaughter), 

if applicable

Name, address 

and flock ID of 

the flock of origin 

and if known 

flock of birth 

Name and 

address of 

current 

owner if 

different than 

the flock of 

origin

Class:

Owner and Facility Name________________________________________

Address and Phone Number ____________________________________
Record Keeping Quick Tip:

If an official tag is lost, replace it 

ASAP with another official tag and 

record that number, and if known:

 Previous tag number, or

 Tag(s) numbers it could have been, or 

 Name and address of the flock of origin.
Example: 

Scrapie Tag Replacement Record

Date official 

identification 

removed or 

lost and 

replaced

Reason for 

replacement

Official ID 

number 

replaced (to 

the extent 

possible) 

Type of 

Official ID 

replaced (e.g., 

metal, plastic, 

RFID eartag);

Official ID number 

applied 

Type of Official 

ID applied (e.g., 

metal, plastic, 

RFID eartag);

Owner or Manager Name ____________________________

Phone Number _____________________________________ 

Facility or Flock Address _____________________________
Required Record Keeping 

Summary

 A record must be made when official 

ID is applied to the animal or an 

animal is acquired or disposed of.

 The record must be kept for five 

years after the animal dies or is no 

longer owned by you.
Confused Regarding How 

Scrapie Program ID and the 

Traceability Rule Relate?
Scrapie Program ID and the 

Traceability Rule

The traceability rule incorporates the scrapie 

program ID regulations in 9 CFR part 79 by 

reference; it does not establish new requirements 

for sheep or goats.
Questions?

If you have additional questions, 

please call your local VS Field Office, their 

phone numbers can be found on the 

following website: 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloa

ds/sprs_contact/field_office_contact_info.pdf 

or email the 

National Scrapie Eradication Program

scrapie@aphis.usda.gov

Information current as of 3/25/19

This presentation was created for the US Sheep and Goat Industries by 

staff at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine and 

NIAA Staff with support from the USDA NSEP.

Copies of this presentation are available from NIAA.